Facing Cubs southpaw Travis Wood, Austin Kearns started in left field for Juan Pierre, who is batting just .198. In Friday night's game, Kearns drew a pinch-hit walk in the seventh inning.

Catcher Miguel Olivo gave left-handed hitter Rob Brantly a day off before Sunday afternoon's series finale.

"Like I said, we've been mixing and matching all year," Redmond said. "Trying to find a lineup that produces more than two runs. We've talked about it. It seems like whatever combination we use it seems to be producing the same thing."

Justin Ruggiano started in center field a night after Chris Coghlan got the nod against righty Scott Feldman.

"Throughout this whole year, we're looking for a spark and somebody to come in and get a big hit," Redmond said. "It could be a walk, a jam shot. With a couple guys on, I'd take anything right now.

"Guys are battling and they're staying positive and I know some guys are frustrated. Obviously they look at their numbers and their averages and we're all human. They look at that stuff, but at the same time, too, we've got to grind it out and focus on one at-bat at a time."

Christina De Nicola is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.